EUobserver.com

EU development commissioner Louis Michel revealed on Wednesday that the European Commission's wants to build a partnership between the EU and China on Africa.

His comments come amid Europe's growing concern that China is exercising too much influence on the resource-rich continent and that the EU has been too slow off the mark.

"The aim is to reinforce the partnership with China in Africa, as Africa has become a sought-after continent rather than a seeking continent," said Mr Michel, according to French news agency AFP.

However, Mr Michel did not give any details of the proposal.

The EU's intention to give Africa a greater standing in its policy agenda became clear last year when it held the first summit in seven years with African leaders.

At the time the EU stressed the equal nature of the relationship, trying to make a break with Europe's colonial past.

China, which has been active on the continent for several decades, is forging ahead with its trade relations.

Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi on a visit to Africa on Monday said that China is to develop trade and consolidate its relationship with Africa in order to secure its development in the global economy.

He said their cooperation would benefit both China and Africa in areas such as investment and trade.

When Mr Michel was asked what interest China would have in pursing a bilateral path with the EU on Africa, the development commissioner said that the "African elite" were becoming aware of China's interest in the continent, which "would inevitably incite reactions."

Beijing is seen as strongly pursuing trade relations with African countries but without requiring any of the moral quid pro quos that the EU does.

For his part, the commissioner said he believes "this idyllic relationship between Africa and China is inevitably going to end."

EU to pursue partnership with China on Africa